Basic Obedience Training

In this six-week introductory training course, you and your dog will strengthen your bond as you learn fundamental skills through positive reinforcement. These include: sit, down, stay, come, wait and leave it, along with a few fun tricks. This is a small group class that will help your dog become accustomed to working through distractions without becoming overwhelmed. It is appropriate for all dogs 5 months of age or older, even if they have already had some training.

Classes meet for 60 minutes weekly for 6 weeks and class sizes are limited. Payment is due one week prior to the class start date, along with proof of up-to-date vaccinations (rabies, distemper and bordetella) and a signed WAIVER. Please DO NOT bring your dog to the first class, so the instructor can have your undivided attention during orientation.

Please EMAIL US to reserve your spot. If the class is full, you will be placed on the waitlist and offered priority registration for our next round of classes.

Canine Good Citizen/Therapy Dog International Prep

This eight-week class includes advanced dog training techniques creating the everyday good manners we all want our dogs to have. We cover all the areas of the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test offered by the American Kennel Club and the Therapy Dog International (TDI) Therapy Dog test. Dogs must be one year or older and will have the option to take the CGC and/or TDI test at the end of class for an additional small fee.

Classes meet for 60 minutes weekly for 8 weeks and class sizes are limited. Payment is due one week prior to the class start date, along with proof of up-to-date vaccinations (rabies, distemper and bordetella) and a signed WAIVER. Please DO NOT bring your dog to the first class, so the instructor can have your undivided attention during orientation.

NOTE: This class is full. PleaseEMAIL USto be placed on the waitlist and offered priority registration for our next round of classes.

Reactive Dog Class

Not all dogs like other dogs. In this six-week class, we will help you and your dog be well on your way to a calmer, safer life through impulse control exercises and practice.

Classes meet for 60 minutes weekly for 6 weeks and class sizes are limited. Payment is due one week prior to the class start date, along with proof of up-to-date vaccinations (rabies, distemper and bordetella) and a signed WAIVER. Please DO NOT bring your dog to the first class, so the instructor can have your undivided attention during orientation.

NOTE: This class is full. PleaseEMAIL USto be placed on the waitlist and offered priority registration for our next round of classes.

Our Trainers

Nancy Haynes, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA

Nancy began her career with animals as an animal control officer. She has been working hands-on with the animals at MHHS for more than a decade. She has been integral to the development and management of rescue, foster and assessment programs, and is involved in all of the Society's cruelty investigation efforts. As the Director of Behavior & Enrichment, her focus is meeting the physical and psychological needs of the animals in our care. Nancy is CCPDT-KA certified, as well as a Certified Obedience Trainer through ABTA (Animal Behavior & Training Associates), now known as ABC (Animal Behavior College), and is certified in the ASPCA's SAFER (Safety Assessment for Evaluating Rehoming) Aggression Assessment.

Jillian Leibach

Jillian grew up loving dogs. She began her career in animal welfare in 2009 as an Animal Care Associate at MHHS. Here she learned the intricacies of canine behavior through hands-on experience and by administering the SAFER (Safety Assessment for Evaluating Rehoming) behavior assessment on hundreds of dogs. She has also received her certification through the Animal Behavior College for Basic Obedience Training (ABCDT). Jillian has grown with the Society over the years and is currently the Animal Care Manager.

Dana Polsinelli

Ever since Dana was little, she always loved animals. She started dog sitting as a teen for neighbors and friends. Years later, she officially opened her own professional Pet Sitting/Dog walking business called K-9 Nanny. Once that was established, she knew she wanted to gain more knowledge and expand her business. Dana is a graduate of Animal Behavior College with her certificate in Basic Obedience Training (ABCDT). She would eventually love to continue her schooling to become a behaviorist.